Rescue Me, Lord, From Evildoers–Psalm 140:1-8
1 Rescue me, Lord, from evildoers;
protect me from the violent,
2 who devise evil plans in their hearts
and stir up war every day.
3 They make their tongues as sharp as a serpent’s;
the poison of vipers is on their lips.
4 Keep me safe, Lord, from the hands of the wicked;
protect me from the violent,
who devise ways to trip my feet.
5 The arrogant have hidden a snare for me;
they have spread out the cords of their net
and have set traps for me along my path.
6 I say to the Lord, “You are my God.”
Hear, Lord, my cry for mercy.
7 Sovereign Lord, my strong deliverer,
you shield my head in the day of battle.
8 Do not grant the wicked their desires, Lord;
do not let their plans succeed.
Jesus told us that in this world we would have trouble (John 16:33). Scripture states that satan is the prince of this world (2 Cor. 4:4). The apostle Paul warns us that we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against dark forces and principalities that we cannot see (Eph. 6:12-13). Because this is an unavoidable reality, we should take seriously the spiritual sword and shield we’ve been given to protect ourselves and the lives of others.
The author of Psalm 140 was under attack. He feared for his life from violent and wicked evildoers – those who devised evil plans against him and wished him great harm (v 1-5). While this psalm was written many centuries ago, many people today are feeling as he did. Fearful of what is happening in their cities, around the world, and even in their own homes. Living in fear of what may happen in the future. When the psalmist was feeling overwhelmed, confused and frightened, notice what he did. Notice who he turned to. When his back was up against a wall – all odds were against him – there was but one option to turn. The Lord Almighty. The psalmist turned to prayer.
Prayer is one of, if not the, most powerful and effective tools we have against dark forces of any kind. The Lord Himself stands ready to guard and protect His children through their faithful prayers.
The next time you are feeling nervous, scared, or in need of protection, do as the psalmist did and turn to God with prayer. Repeat as the psalmist did: “You are my God! Hear, Lord, my cry for mercy. Sovereign Lord, my strong deliverer, You shield my head in the days of battle. Do not grant the wicked their desires, Lord; do not let their plans succeed” (v 6-8). When you turn to Him first, believing that He alone is your Rock and Refuge – your strong Tower in times of trouble – He will deliver you. He will protect you from any and all snares of the devil. Your part is to believe. His part is to deliver. Trust Him.
[Read and meditate on this psalm today. Let us know how it speaks to you in the comment section below.]
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